Prepare the vegetables and chicken: Boil the potatoes and swede for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with a splash of water and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the chicken and vegetables: In a separate pan, combine crushed garlic, diced carrots, thyme sprigs, boiling water, and crumbled vegetable stock cube. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add leek and finish cooking: Add the sliced leek to the pan with the chicken and vegetables. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Make the creamy sauce: Strain the stock from the pan, reserving only 200ml. In a bowl, whisk together the reserved stock, low-fat quark or cottage chees, mustard powder, chopped parsley, and black pepper.
Assemble the pot pies: Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.
Choose your crust option:
Mashed Potato Crust: Spread a thin layer of mashed potato in the bottom of each greased muffin tin cup, pressing it slightly to form a well.
Filo Pastry Crust: Brush very lightly with melted low-fat spread 2-3 sheets of filo pastry. Tear or cut into squares or circles to fit your muffin cups. Layer them gently in the cups, pressing them into the bottom and sides to form a well.
Fill and top: Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture and creamy sauce evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Top each mini pot pie with a spoonful of mashed potato (if using filo crust) or leave open-faced (if using mashed potato crust).
Bake: Bake the mini pot pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly, the crust is golden brown (if using filo), and the pastry is cooked through.
Serve and enjoy: Let the mini pot pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Tips:
Experiment with different diet-approved herbs and spices to add extra flavor.
You can use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
Remember: This is a general guide to make the recipe more diet. Double-check the value of any specific brands or ingredients you choose to use.
